Date:03/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/03/stories/2005120303200200.htm

Back Apollo Hospitals ties up with Johns Hopkins arm — To set up diagnostic lab in Hyderabad

Our Bureau

Dr Prathap C. Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, exchanging documents with Mr Steve Thompson, CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, after signing an agreement for collaboration in medicine, education and research in New Delhi on Friday. - Shanker Chakravarty

New Delhi , Dec. 2

APOLLO Hospitals Enterprise Ltd has entered into a joint venture with Amcare Labs, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins International of the US, to set up a diagnostic laboratory in Hyderabad.

Speaking to newspersons, Ms Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo, said an initial amount of Rs 10 crore would be invested and the laboratory is likely to be operational in six months.

"General and high-end tests such as tests based on genetic mutation and tests to assess the effect of particular drug on a patient would be done in the lab," she said.

The hospital group has already initiated discussions with courier companies to transport samples from various parts of the country to their referral lab in Hyderabad.

At a later stage, the healthcare company may build some more referral labs, one in each zone, depending on the requirement.

Meanwhile, Apollo Hospitals has also entered into collaboration with Johns Hopkins to improve healthcare delivery system through regular programmes such as continuing medical education programmes, clinical trials, nursing education and research.

Mr Steve Thompson, CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine International, said: "This association will help us share the best practices we follow in our respective organisations. Working together in various fields will help latest advances reach the population in this part of the world as well."

Ms Reddy said as part of this arrangement with Johns Hopkins, a number of clinical trials will be initiated in India too. "The US partner is keen on working in research in traditional system of medicine such as ayurveda and so on and will collaborate with us," he said.

Also, with the number of patients with diabetes, cancer and cardiac problems growing, the two healthcare providers will have a better opportunity to study the disease and find its cure and make it available across the world.

The Indian company will also collaborate with Johns Hopkins on sharing technology, training of doctors for surgical procedures, research and education.

Asked if Apollo will construct medical colleges, the group's Chairman, Dr Prathap C. Reddy, said: "As per the existing Medical Council of India's guidelines, a charitable hospital can run a medical college. But I am planning to acquire one ayurvedic hospital."

The shares of Apollo hospitals fell by 0.3 per cent, to close at Rs 440.9 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.